Horsing Around in VA

The Charlottesville area is rich in activities for the horse enthusiast. You could say that horsing around in VA is what we do best. From our historic horse shows, to Sunday afternoon polo and wine tasting at The King Family Vineyard, or the plethora of nationally renowned Fox Hunts there is something here for the whole family to enjoy. Use this page as a guide to the local horse community.

Horse Shows and Associations

If you are interested in Horse Showing this is a useful guide to the major Virginia horse shows and the local and regional associations that govern them.

If Eventing is more your speed this list should help you identify major competitions held at local Charlottesville horse farms and Charlottesville area facilities and major venues in the area available for training and schooling.

There is such a wide variety of great equestrian athletes in the area. Several of the most beautiful Charlottesville horse farms are owned by top class riders and trainers in the classical dressage discipline.

The Charlottesville area is one of the most beautiful in the world and the best way to see it is from horse back. Not only are there many parks and wildlife areas that provide trail riding opportunities for local equestrians, but there are also local clubs and competitive trail riding groups and organizations.

Going to a Polo match is a great way to spend an evening or weekend afternoon. Tailgating at one of the venues located around Charlottesville horse country is a great way to entertain clients or just an enjoyable weekend outing in a family friendly setting.

Virginia was the Birth Place of Secretariat, the greatest race horse who ever lived. As a result, horse racing is still very much a part of Virginia’s horse culture. We have one of the finest flat tracks on the east coast located just a short drive from Charlottesville. In Spring and Fall the Point to Point and Steeplechase circuit is in full swing and provide many tailgating opportunities at historic farms and estates in Albemarle and surrounding counties.

Because of Charlottesville and Virginia’s long history with horses there are several wonderful museums dedicated to the horse within a short drive and make a wonderful day trip for the family or equine enthusiast.

If you like to ride to hounds then you have found the right spot! There are many hunts that frequently meet at local Charlottesville horse farms and many more that are a short commute from Albemarle county. Virginia Hunt week is an attraction that hunts all over the state participate in and attracts riders from all over the country. Tally ho!

While you can always order from one of the major catalogs like Smartpak or Bit of Britain Charlottesville is lucky to be home to an actual Dover retail store and we have several other privately owned tack stores within a short commute. All are excellent resources for providing the necessities of caring for a horse, but most also provide unique equestrian themed gifts and presents.

There are a whole host of Veterinarians that serve Charlottesville farms and Estates. Some are great for your routine vaccinations and check up. Charlottesville is also home to some of the top lameness clinics and veterinarians in the country.

There are many great activities for Kids to participate in around Albemarle County. From Camps to Orginizations like pony club and 4-H that meet at Charlottesville horse farms each month, there is plenty here to keep even the youngest horse enthusiast entertained.